MOTHA, Cyperus rotundus

Latin name: Cyperus rotundus

English name: Nutgrass, Coco-grass, Purple nut sedge, Red nut sedge

Sanskrit name: Musta

Indian name: Motha, Nagarmotha

Medicinal parts used: Rhizome

Mutha is a pestiferous perennial weed with dark green glabrous culms, arising from a system of underground tubers. The plant has an elaborate underground system consisting of tubers, rhizomes and roots. The tubers are white and succulent when young, and hard and black when mature.

Cyperus rotundus is one of the most invasive weeds known, having spread out to a world-wide distribution in tropical and temperate regions. It has been called “the world’s worst weed” as it is known as a weed in over 90 countries, and infests over 50 crops worldwide.

Therapeutic use:

It is used in Ayurveda as a tonic, diuretic, emmenogogue, diaphoretic, and stimulant.

It is a good skin disorder healer and also helps in early healing of wounds.